KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A West Michigan firm that specializes in manufacturing pool and spa chemicals is now creating hand sanitizer.
Grand Rapids-based Haviland Inc. has altered a portion of its Kalamazoo facility to create the alcohol-based product facing critically short supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pool and Spa Marketing has reported that the company is now able to produce 500 gallons of the sanitizer each week. The supplies are being packaged in 5 gallon bulk containers and are being donated to area healthcare providers and non-profits, including a recent shipment to Wedgewood Christian Services in Grand Rapids.
The much needed supplies will first be offered to services that do not have access to federally provided stockpiles of cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and personal protective gear.
As a chemical manufacturer Haviland Inc. is exempt from shutting down during Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. The state government has stated that organizations working with hazardous material or in chemical supply chains are considered essential services during the period.
On March 20th the Food and Drug Administration relaxed regulations allowing more manufacturers to make and sell hand sanitizer in order to increase the supply of the product.
